France’s media have now shared their verdict on Arsenal defender William Saliba’s latest performance for his country against Greece last night.
Saliba made a rare start and played 90 minutes in the 2-2 draw against Greece.
And given all of the criticism Arsenal’s Saliba has endured whilst playing for France in the past, his performances are now of particular interest.
Saliba was paired with Paris Saint Germain’s Lucas Hernandez in defence, and the pair didn’t have the best evening according to reports.
Foot Mercato did say Saliba was solid in his performance, but then also mentioned him “struggling with [Fotis] Ioannidis.”
They summarised: “The Blues were shaky defensively and he wasn’t the most reassuring either.”
Le Parisien also shared their opinion on the individual performances for France on a frustrating night.
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They said: “We didn’t feel very reassuring about his first interventions. He also steps on the ball after two minutes of play.
“The pair he formed with Lucas Hernandez did not exude great serenity. Powerless on the two opposing goals.”
Arsenal defender Saliba had another mixed night for France
It would seem that Arsenal’s Saliba was one of the better defenders for France on the night, but it was a disappointing performance as a unit.
Saliba has often been criticised for his country in the past year or so, with some of his compatriots questioning his growing reputation.
But France manager Didier Deschamps did recently address the matter, and stated his confidence that things will improve.
Saliba has been so imperious for Arsenal over the past year or so, and it’s bound to soon click for him with France.
The game against Greece was a ‘dead rubber’, and the amount of changes made in the eleven did reflect that.
And as England found in North Macedonia, it can be hard to deliver your most resolute performance in those circumstances.
There shouldn’t be too many negatives to take for Saliba, a defender who should take confidence from his latest cap.
And as club football returns, Saliba will once again be crucial for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta.